Pilgrim (Pilgrim, #1)

Harmon’s latest release, “Pilgrim”, depicts the trials and tribulations of Danzen Ravja, a taciturn assassin with a mysterious heritage. On the surface, these elements are standard fare (silent, dark, and brooding), but it’s Danzen’s journey that’s most fascinating. Born and raised by assassins, Danzen’s earnest desire is to retire from his life of contract killing; however, this plan is thwarted. Instead, Danzen is forced to flee to the ends of the earth, in a village not far from Diyu (similar to Hell). Initially aloof and antisocial, Danzen’s desire to do good (and use his skills for something other than killing) allows him to metamorphose. By the end of the book, Danzen has friends!

Danzen’s character progression is both noticeable and substantial; after each episode, you can see Danzen (slowly) finding the person he wants to be. When ghosts from his past come back to haunt him, he remains undaunted. In the face of a seemingly impossible task, he gladly sets forth. It’s also worth noting that Danzen is never a mindless killing machine; he does not hide behind specious logic to justify poor behavior. He recognizes his faults and mistakes. Most importantly, he resolves to improve himself.

Also worth noting are the descriptions of the *yokai* themselves, which are accurate (to the folklore). Moreover, the world that the yokai have created is interesting in and of itself. It’s not merely the novelty of different sapient species, but their society (as loose as it is) allows the quirks of such beings to shine through.

“Pilgrim” is most similar to “Way of the Immortals”; both possess elements of wuxia/Xianxia (e.g. cultivation) as well as non-human sapient species. In short, if you enjoyed “Way of the Immortals”, you’ll probably enjoy “Pilgrim”. If you’ve never read “WotI”, you should still try “Pilgrim”. It’s enjoyable, with a measured narrative pacing that accentuates Danzen’s personal growth (and not just the enemies he defeats).

Pilgrim is worth a read; I highly recommend it.

Danzen is an assassin, the best. He has to be because a single cut unleashes a horde of demons from his body. But this orphan is tired of death and retires at the top of his game. His employer and colleagues are not so willing to let him go. Travel into obscurity with the Pilgrim on his journey of discovery in this homage to both Japanese samurai and westerns that followed them. Yojimbo, Zotatchi, and Eastwood find their heir in this magical fantasy that delivers action and enjoyment.

I do not understand all the 5 Star ratings for this story, to me it was a bit aimless just wandering from one adventure to the other with few twists and turns. Many of the reviews were pleased how accurately it depicted Japanese folk lore, which I am sure it did but I was just hoping for another of Cooper’s very entertaining stories. For me it missed the mark plus its the first story I read of Coopers with no sex. House of Dolls, Cherry Blossom Girls and We Could Be Heroes are all Awesome Series and cant wait for the next in the Dungeon Goddess books. Although It only shows up on Gideon Caldwell page?

One of the first things that you’ll notice when you start reading ‘Pilgrim’ is how deep the backstory is. The gradual revelations are sprinkled throughout and lead to information about the origin of Danzen’s parents – this sets up a great second/later book(s) in the series.

The MC is very powerful but does not sink to ‘Mary/Marty Sue’ level; there are reasons for things that he does and more importantly does not do. The descriptions are lush and imaginative; the dialog is surprisingly engaging, particularly for a taciturn hero.

Get this book – the other is known for his popular books but IMHO, this represents an evolution in his craft and will be a great series to read going forward.

Probably one of my favorite first books of a series in a while. The Character Danzen reminds me a bit of Connor from Assassin’s Creed 3 for the homestead missions (one of the few parts of the story I loved in that game). The story itself reminds me a bit of the first Witcher books with each part of it telling a story dealing with a yokai. An excellent read so I definitely suggest checking it out.

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